Thoughtful Low Cost Ways To Pamper Your Valentine

We all love to feel loved and appreciated, especially on Valentine's Day when love is in the air. But while some show their affection with lavish gifts, some of the most meaningful expressions of adoration are those that cost little in terms of dollars, but require thought, attention and energy from the giver. This year, we thought we'd give you a few sure-fire ways to spark up the romance that will make a big impact on your loved one while leaving your wallet alone.

1. Breakfast in bed - for two. Of course, a standard pampering technique is to make your love breakfast in bed. What a wonderful treat to be given. It's hard not to feel that someone is cherishing you when they come bearing your favorite morning meal to be indulged in without even having to put on slippers. But even more than that, what about making breakfast for both of you to share beneath the covers. Most people don't like to dine alone - so why make your love do that? Instead, prepare a meal for the two of you and bring it to the bedroom. Then you can share it together uninterrupted. You'll start your love's day off with a wonderful glow, and sharing the time together will definitely put a spring in your step as well.

2. Confess. Okay, you've heard it from many a tv therapist. Routine can lead to boredom or a feeling of not being appreciated. So, why not go back to that place where you and your love were just starting out on your romantic road together. No matter where you are in your life now, you're sure to remember that spark at the beginning of romance that made your heart flutter, the butterflies jump in your tummy and your palms sweat, just a little. Imagine being at that point in time where things were just starting to take off and confess your love. Remember how you couldn't wait to hear that voice on the other end of the phone? That little flirty email or the double-entre that made you wonder if that was actually intended? Tell your love about those unique little things that made your heart go pitter-pat. And all the things that still do. Chances are, you'll be rewarded with a few confessions as well.

3. The Super-Hot Kiss. Haven't you ever seen an on-screen kiss that just about blew your head off with chemistry? Or that early peck that turned into something that made your palms sweaty? Well, plan one of your own for you and your love. Is there a place that's special to him or her? Or to you both? Is there a romantic memory that gets instantly triggered from a particular song or fragrance? Have you always been a bit too reserved to make a public display of affection? Now's your chance to take their breath away with that super-hot kiss of their dreams. Plan where you're going to do it, how and when. Make sure that you capture the feelings inside you that you want to share with your loved one. And, don't forget that sometimes the most romantic moment of all is unexpected. Be open to giving the kiss that they'll be talking about for years to come.

4. Genie in the bottle. All of us have desires, wishes, dreams that seem impossible. But when we put our minds and hearts together, we can achieve the impossible. Find out one of those secret desires, wishes, and dreams of your love - then make it happen. Sure, maybe he dreams of driving a race car. Well, you may not be be able to get him on the track of the Indy 500, but you can take him to go for a test drive of the latest Ferrari, Porsche, Maserati, or whatever car he likes. All it likely will cost is a call in advance and his driver's license. Maybe she wishes for a quiet day at the spa. You can make a quiet room at home, play soft ambient music, get a little aromatic massage oil and give her the peaceful treatment her aching muscles desire. There's no limit to how you can make your love one feel appreciated and adored with this one. Just figure out what they would enjoy and make it happen, however you can.

5. Express yourself. Yes, we know. You haven't written anything more meaningful than a business letter or longer than an email since your school days. That's okay. In fact, you can even take advantage of that fact by using your current writing activities as a framework for joyful praise of your love. You could write an email expressing all of your deepest feelings. Or a poem with a little bit of naughtiness. Or a letter that says how much your loved one really means to you. The best part is, you don't need to be particularly clever or literary. Nothing means more than genuine feelings shared with honest abandon. This expression of love can be as unique as you are. Use your own "voice," the one that only your loved one gets to hear. Go ahead. Make his or her day.